Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole is a uniquely delicious sweet-and-savory side dish made with juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. A staple at Southern gatherings, this comforting casserole pairs beautifully with ham, turkey, or barbecue and is shockingly simple to make.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

canned pineapple chunksdrainedcanned crushed pineapplesugarall-purpose floursharp cheddar cheese shreddedRitz crackers or buttery round crackerscrushedunsalted buttermelted

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

In a mixing bowl, combine drained pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple.

Stir in sugar and flour until evenly coated.

Fold in shredded cheddar cheese.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until well coated.

Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the pineapple mixture.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until hot and bubbly with a golden brown top.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6–8 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 25–30 minutesTotal time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of spice.

Mix in a tablespoon of pineapple juice for extra tang.

Use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder cheesy flavor.

Top with toasted pecans for a nutty crunch.

Swap crackers for panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Yes, but make sure it’s chopped and drained well to avoid excess moisture.

Is it supposed to be sweet?

Yes, the sweet pineapple contrasts with the savory cheese and buttery topping—it’s a signature flavor combo.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Add cracker topping last for best texture.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese melts better, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.

What crackers work best?

Ritz crackers are traditional, but any buttery, crisp round cracker will do.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and crackers.

What dishes pair well with this?

It’s excellent with ham, turkey, fried chicken, or pork chops.

Why flour in the filling?

Flour thickens the juices so the casserole isn’t runny.

Is this a dessert or a side dish?

It’s a side dish, despite the sweetness—welcome to Southern cooking!

Can I freeze it?

Not recommended—texture may become soggy after thawing.

Conclusion

Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole is a quirky Southern classic that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its rich, sweet-and-savory combo, this dish surprises everyone—and then wins them over bite after bite. Perfect for holidays or potlucks, it’s comfort food with a twist.

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